This is Part 2 of our storm preparation series. If you missed Part 1, read our Spring Checklist here to learn the five essential steps every Atlanta homeowner should take before storm season begins.
You have walked your property, removed dead trees, trimmed overhanging branches, and addressed structural problems. Your Atlanta home is as storm‑ready as possible. But storm season lasts from March through November in North Georgia—what should you do during those months to stay safe?
At MMP Tree Service, we help homeowners across Acworth, Canton, Alpharetta, and the greater Atlanta area respond to storm damage every year. This guide covers what to watch for during storm season, how to prepare when severe weather is forecast, and what to do if you are already behind on tree maintenance.
During storm season: What to watch for
Once storm season is underway, keep an eye on your trees after every significant weather event:
- After high winds: Walk your property looking for new cracks, hanging branches, or trees that seem to have shifted position
- After heavy rain: Check for standing water around tree bases, which can indicate poor drainage and root stress
- After lightning: Look for split trunks, stripped bark, or signs of internal damage
- After hail: Inspect leaves and smaller branches for damage that could stress the tree
If you spot any concerning changes, do not wait—contact MMP Tree Service for an inspection. Catching problems early means you can address them on your schedule instead of dealing with an emergency in the middle of the next storm.
Emergency preparation: What to do before a major storm hits
When forecasts call for severe weather, there are a few last‑minute steps you can take:
- Move vehicles away from large trees or known weak limbs
- Bring in outdoor furniture and anything else that could become a projectile
- Charge your phone so you can call for help if a tree does come down
- Know your insurance coverage and have your policy information handy
- Have MMP Tree Service’s number saved: (470) 403-0215 for 24/7 emergency service
After the storm passes, assess your property carefully from a safe distance. If a tree has fallen on your house, power lines, or is blocking your driveway, call for emergency help right away. Do not attempt to remove large trees or cut anything near power lines yourself—this is extremely dangerous work that requires professional equipment and training.
Why professional help matters for storm preparation
Some homeowners try to save money by doing tree work themselves or hiring the cheapest crew they can find. This approach almost always backfires in one of three ways:
- Safety risks: Tree work is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. Climbing trees, operating chainsaws, and working near power lines can lead to serious injury or death without proper training and equipment.
- Improper pruning: Cutting trees the wrong way can actually make them more vulnerable to storm damage, not less. Bad pruning creates weak points, encourages disease, and can kill the tree over time.
- Incomplete assessment: A trained arborist can spot structural problems, disease, and decay that most homeowners would miss. Without professional evaluation, you might think a tree is fine when it is actually a time bomb waiting for the next storm.
MMP Tree Service is a family‑owned company with over a decade of experience serving Acworth, Canton, Alpharetta, and the greater Atlanta area. The crews are fully licensed and insured, use modern equipment, and follow industry best practices for every job. More importantly, they know Atlanta trees—which species are storm‑resistant, which ones tend to fail, and how to prepare your specific property for severe weather.
Common Atlanta tree species and storm vulnerabilities
If you are not sure which trees on your property need the most attention, here is a quick guide to common Atlanta species and their storm characteristics:
High Risk:
- Bradford Pear – Weak branch structure, prone to splitting in wind
- Silver Maple – Fast‑growing, brittle wood, shallow roots
- Willow Oak – Large, heavy branches prone to breaking
- Leyland Cypress – Shallow roots, prone to toppling in saturated soil
Moderate Risk:
- Pine (Loblolly, White) – Can be strong but vulnerable to lightning and disease
- Sweet Gum – Generally sturdy but can lose large limbs in severe wind
- Tulip Poplar – Fast‑growing, can have weak branch unions
Lower Risk:
- Oak (White, Red) – Strong wood, deep roots, generally storm‑resistant
- Hickory – Dense, strong wood, good root structure
- Bald Cypress – Excellent in wet conditions, flexible branches
Even low‑risk species can become hazards if they are dead, diseased, or structurally compromised. Regular professional inspection is the best way to catch problems before they lead to storm damage.
How much does storm preparation cost?
The cost of preparing your trees for storm season varies depending on what needs to be done:
- Professional inspection: Many companies, including MMP Tree Service, offer free estimates and consultations
- Pruning and trimming: Ranges from a few hundred dollars for small jobs to $1,000+ for large trees with extensive work needed
- Tree removal: Depends on size, location, and difficulty—expect $500-$5,000+ for complete removal
- Emergency services: Typically more expensive than scheduled work due to urgency and risk
While these costs might seem significant, compare them to the potential expenses of storm damage:
- Roof repair: $5,000-$20,000+
- Vehicle replacement: $10,000-$50,000+
- Structural damage: $10,000-$100,000+
- Deductibles and insurance premium increases
Investing a few hundred or even a few thousand dollars in preventive tree care can save tens of thousands in storm damage repairs. It is also worth noting that insurance typically does not cover preventive tree removal—but it will cover damage to your home if a neglected tree falls on it, after you pay your deductible.
What to do if you are already behind on tree maintenance
If you are reading this and realizing your trees have not been maintained in years, do not panic. Even if storm season has already started, it is not too late to reduce your risk:
Priority 1: Remove dead trees These are the most dangerous and should be addressed immediately, even if severe weather is forecast soon.
Priority 2: Trim branches over structures At minimum, remove any large limbs directly over your roof, vehicles, or high‑traffic areas.
Priority 3: Address obvious hazards Leaning trees, large cracks, or heavily damaged trees near structures should be evaluated by a professional as soon as possible.
Priority 4: Plan for next year If you cannot afford to address everything right now, create a plan to tackle remaining issues before the next storm season. Regular maintenance spread over several years is more affordable than trying to do everything at once.
MMP Tree Service works with homeowners to prioritize the most critical issues first and develop reasonable timelines for addressing the rest. Call (470) 403-0215 or request a free estimate online to discuss your specific situation.
Frequently asked questions about storm preparation
Q: When is the best time to have trees trimmed or removed? A: Late fall through early spring (November–March) is ideal for most tree work. Trees are dormant, which reduces stress and makes it easier to see structure without leaves. For storm preparation specifically, aim to have work done by late February or early March before severe weather season begins.
Q: How often should trees be inspected? A: Mature trees should be professionally inspected every 2-3 years, or after any major storm. Young trees or those with known issues may need annual inspection. If you notice any concerning changes—new cracks, dead branches, sudden leaning—call for an evaluation right away regardless of when the last inspection was.
Q: Can I just trim the branches myself to save money? A: Small branches and shrubs can be trimmed by homeowners, but any work involving ladders, power tools, or branches over structures should be left to professionals. Improper pruning can damage trees, and tree work is extremely dangerous without proper training and equipment. The risk is not worth the modest savings.
Q: Will pruning make my tree more likely to survive a storm? A: Proper pruning by a trained arborist reduces wind load and eliminates weak branches, making trees more storm‑resistant. However, bad pruning can actually make trees more vulnerable by creating weak points and encouraging disease. Always use a certified, experienced tree service like MMP Tree Service.
Q: What should I do if a tree falls during a storm? A: First, ensure everyone is safe and stay away from downed power lines. Take photos for insurance if it is safe to do so. Then call your insurance company to report the damage and MMP Tree Service at (470) 403-0215 for emergency removal. Do not attempt to remove large trees yourself or cut anything near power lines.
Get your Atlanta trees ready for storm season today
Spring and summer storms in the Atlanta area are inevitable. The question is whether your trees are ready when the next severe weather system rolls through Acworth, Canton, Alpharetta, or anywhere across North Georgia.
A few hours of professional tree care now can prevent thousands of dollars in damage and give you peace of mind knowing your property is as safe as possible. MMP Tree Service has helped Atlanta homeowners prepare for storm season for over a decade, and the experienced crews are ready to help you protect your home and family.
Take action today:
- Call (470) 403-0215 to schedule a free estimate
- Request an online estimate at your convenience
- Ask about tree risk assessment services to identify hidden hazards
Do not wait until a tree is on your roof to wish you had taken care of that dead oak or trimmed those overhanging limbs. Storm season is coming—make sure your trees are ready.
Did you miss Part 1? Read our Spring Preparation Checklist to learn the five essential steps to prepare your trees before severe weather arrives.
About MMP Tree Service LLC
MMP Tree Service is a family‑owned tree care company serving Acworth, Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, and the greater Atlanta metro area. With over 12 years of experience, certified arborists on staff, and a commitment to safety and customer satisfaction, MMP Tree Service provides comprehensive tree removal, trimming, storm damage cleanup, and emergency services 24/7. Licensed, insured, and locally trusted.
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